It’s the motion of the ocean that counts. If you are looking for a place to take your date that is both romantic and easy on the pocketbook, consider going to a beach. Vast, vulnerable, as well as potentially treacherous, the sea is both mysterious and exciting. There is something special about the feeling of sand beneath your feet as you walk with your lover hand in hand along the shoreline, watching the waves roll in.

Ocean waves that crash onto a beach are doing more than providing ambiance. Moving water, moving air and sunlight all cause air molecules to break apart, releasing charged atoms, or ions, into the environment. Some scientists believe sea air contains a wealth of charged ions which have health benefits ranging from better circulation to improved moods. One theory is the ions’ extra charge helps our bodies take in oxygen, thereby increasing oxygen flow to the brain.

The ocean itself can be defined as a major continuous body of saline water; oceans cover approximately 71 percent of the Earth's surface. Sodium, the main positive ion found in sea water, is also found in extracellular fluids within our bodies. It is interesting to note our bodies contain a large percentage of water: adult men contain 60-65 percent, women 50-60 percent. The human brain consists of about 85 percent water and our bones contain between 10-15 percent water.

Public beaches are neutral territory for people from all walks of life. Both men and women flock to the beach every summer, many wearing barely there bathing suits. The sexiest swimsuits available on the market are designed to reveal as much of the body as possible without actual nudity. They are often lined with a fabric that keeps them from becoming transparent when wet.

Swimsuits are designed to cover at least the genitals and, in most cultures, women's breasts or nipples. Men's swimsuit styles are swimming trunks such as board shorts, jammers, speedo-style briefs, thongs, g-strings or bikinis. Women's swimsuits are usually one-pieces, bikinis or thongs.

One hot version of the traditional bikini is the microkini, an extremely skimpy bikini. The designs for both women and men usually use only enough fabric to cover the genitalia. Any additional straps are only there to keep the garment attached to the beachgoer’s body. Some versions of the microkini use adhesive or wire to keep the fabric in place over the genitals. These designs do not require any more side straps to hold the garment in place. The more radical versions of the microkini are merely thin straps which cover little or none of the body.
          
When you have selected your perfect bathing suit, work on getting that sexy tan safely:

• Always use a name-brand suntan lotion to avoid getting rashes on your body.
• Use a sunscreen with a high SPF, such as 30.
• It is always better to apply the sunscreen twice. Apply the first time immediately after showering, the second time when you are on the beach.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
• Drink large quantities of water.
• Don’t just lie in one position on the beach, take a walk, twist and turn for a natural, even tan.
• Don’t tan every day. There should be a break of at least 24 hours before tanning yourself again.
• Avoid tanning between 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

If you want to meet someone at the beach, here are some tips:

• Get off of your towel and move around! Don’t run from the water right back to your towel.
• Location is key; pick your spot carefully and be discreet. Don’t be too obvious.
• Bring suntan lotion, but (conveniently) need a different SPF and ask to "borrow" some.
• Interact with people near the showers or concessions so you can begin conversations.
• Offer to share some ice-cold water, beer or snacks.    
• Avoid getting drunk or going with friends that don’t want to meet people.          

Another opportunity to meet people or have something to do with your date is to play volleyball with family or friends. Some beaches will have volleyball nets set up to entice vacationers to enjoy the beach. Getting a game started only requires two people, but larger crowds are more fun and make the game more exciting—or, perhaps you can ask to join a game.

One pleasurable beach tradition, now banned or regulated in some areas, is a nighttime oceanfront bonfire. Enjoy music and friendship as the flames emanate a beautiful flickering glow. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows while trying to keep the smoke out of your eyes. Have a few drinks. Watch as people go missing for a while when they wander out, hand in hand, somewhere into the darkness.

Although overt sexual behavior is discouraged, nude sunbathing and skinny dipping is acceptable at some beaches and is part of American history. Ben Franklin reportedly enjoyed regular “air baths”; Mark Twain never provided Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn with swimsuits; and, Norman Rockwell painted boys without swimsuits at the swimming hole for the cover of the Saturday Evening Post.                                                                                                                            
When in the area of a nude beach, signs are valuable tools to observe. They may be simply informational, or they may be used to designate an area for clothing-optional use. Properly placed and well-worded signs avoid potential conflicts among groups of beachgoers. When visiting a nude beach, observing posted signs, being considerate of others and following rules will help ensure you have an enjoyable experience.                                      
Every beach has unique characteristics: some may have smooth, soft sand while others have a rougher texture containing shells or rocks. Depending on the direction of the tide and wind, some beaches are clean, while others seem to collect seaweed, dead fish, and other unattractive waste. Some beaches may be wide and calm, while others may be completely flooded when the tide arrives. Before going to the beach on a special date, visit at the same time the date is planned a day or two in advance. Here are some features to consider when scouting for a beach:

Smells—Is the ocean breeze the only scent? Does a nearby restaurant or factory give off odors or pollution?

Sounds—Waves vary in volume and a conversation won’t be heard over thunderous breakers. Also, take note of other local noises such as passing traffic, beachside resorts, or nightclubs.

Sand texture—Is the sand clean and easy to walk across? How far is the walk to the water?

Scenery—A beach at sunrise or sunset can be breathtaking, as a moonlit night is. Will local lights disrupt the romance? Does a cliff, skyline or garden provide a pleasant backdrop?

Population—Is the beach crowded or isolated? You will want to be able to carry on a conversation with your date without being interrupted.

Wanting to have sex on a beach is a common fantasy many people have as well as being an exhibitionists dream. If you decide to act out your fantasy of having sex on the beach, be careful. Even if you find a secluded corner or spot, chances are you will be discovered and both of you will most likely be arrested. Another alternative is to get a hotel room or rent a beach bungalow that has access to the beach. Then, you can indulge your fantasy without the worry of having to give an explanation to friends or relatives who you would call to come bail you out of jail.

Sex on the beach at night might be more romantic. However, if you and your partner decide to have sex on the beach during the day, make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn on your most sensitive areas. Also, keep in mind sand is not conducive to sex. Sand in or around private parts or sand in between sweaty bodies is abrasive and uncomfortable. Use a wet towel to wipe away any sand before you start, and definitely lay on top of a blanket or towel to keep it from getting into body crevices during the act.

Maybe right now you’re wondering if you and your partner can have sex in the water to avoid being discovered. It might work, but sex in the water forces germs and other contaminants into the vagina or orifice and can lead to infections. Water also washes away natural vaginal lubricants.

If you’re not going to get any while you’re at the beach, don’t despair. Watching and listening to the waves together is a relaxing backdrop so both of you can get to know each other better for an intimate get-together later on.